WHAT IS TUTIN?

Tutin is a neurotoxin present in tutu bushes that is harmless to bees but toxic to mammals, including humans. It can get into honey when bees collect honeydew made by passion-vine hoppers (Scolypopa australis) that have been feeding on tutu (Coriaria arborea).

Tutin contamination is sometimes found in late-season honey in some parts of New Zealand. Beekeepers and packers of honey for sale or export must comply with the Food Standard 2016: Tutin in Honey to show that their honey does not contain toxic levels of tutin.